Growth Performance of Principal Crops in North Bihar during last four decades: Empirical Evidences

Abstract

The present study is designed to examine the changes in cropping pattern, area, production and productivity of principal crops along with their growth in North Bihar during last 40 years. It is emanated from analysis of data that the cropping pattern of the area under study is dominated by cereal crops. Among the cereals, wheat has emerged as the second most important cereal crop during period under study whereas rice experienced deceleration in area. Maize also gained in area due to adoption of winter maize at large scale in post seventies period. Winter maize is now preferred crop due to its higher yield potential. There has been significant change in cropping pattern during last four decades in north Bihar. All the principal crops recorded growth in production but performance of rice – the most important staple food crop in the area, has not been impressive during the period under study.Research priority should be assigned for innovation and spread of appropriate technology of rice production for unfavourable ecology of north Bihar. Pulses and oilseeds production witnessed a setback due to decline in area and almost stagnant productivity of most of pulses and oilseeds. Special efforts are needed to evolve the varieties of pulses and oilseeds for increasing their production to meet therequirement.